FTMO Minimum Deposit And Payment Methods

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FTMO is one of the leading proprietary trading firms, offering traders the opportunity to access funded accounts after successfully completing its evaluation process. Instead of depositing capital into a live trading account, participants pay a one-time Challenge fee to take part in the firm's assessment program.

What is the FTMO Challenge fee?

FTMO does not require traders to deposit funds into a live trading account. Instead, participants pay a one-time Challenge fee to enter the firm's evaluation program. The fee covers both the FTMO Challenge and Verification stages and is refunded with the trader's first payout after successfully completing the evaluation process and receiving a funded account.

The Challenge fee depends on the selected account size:

FTMO Challenge fees
Account size	Challenge fee
$10,000	€89
$25,000	€250
$50,000	€345
$100,000	€540
$200,000	€1,080

After passing the evaluation, traders can receive up to 80% of generated profits, with the possibility of increasing the profit split to 90% through FTMO's Scaling Plan.

Key features of the FTMO program

In addition to funded trading opportunities, FTMO offers several features designed to support active traders:

Leverage. FTMO offers leverage of up to 1:100 on Standard accounts, although limits may vary depending on the account type and traded instrument.
Trading conditions. Traders gain access to institutional-style trading conditions, including competitive spreads, market execution, and a wide range of tradable instruments.
Flexible trading styles. FTMO allows a variety of trading approaches, including discretionary trading, swing trading, and algorithmic trading, provided traders comply with the firm's risk-management rules.
One-time Challenge fee. FTMO does not charge recurring membership fees. Traders pay a one-time Challenge fee that covers the evaluation process and is refunded with the first payout after becoming a funded trader.
Tradable instruments. The platform provides access to Forex, indices, commodities, stocks, cryptocurrencies, and bonds.
Trading platforms. Traders can choose between MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and DXtrade.
Global availability. FTMO accepts traders from most countries, although certain jurisdictions may be restricted due to regulatory requirements.
Free trial. Prospective traders can test the FTMO environment through a free trial before purchasing a Challenge.

FTMO Challenge fee payment methods and processing times

FTMO does not charge additional fees for paying the Challenge fee. The one-time fee covers participation in both the FTMO Challenge and Verification stages and is refunded with the trader's first payout after successfully becoming a funded trader.

Traders can pay for an FTMO Challenge via bank transfer, credit/debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Skrill, or cryptocurrencies. Most payment methods are processed instantly, while bank transfers may take 2–5 business days and cryptocurrency payments can take up to 24 hours to be confirmed.

FTMO supports multiple account and payment currencies. However, traders should be aware that if a payment is made in a currency different from the selected account currency, the amount will be converted using the applicable exchange rate, which may result in additional conversion costs charged by the payment provider or bank.

How to deposit money on FTMO - step by step guide

The following is a step-by-step guide on how to deposit money on FTMO to get started on your trading journey:

Click here to start on the FTMO challenge.
Register your account.
Fill in your details to sign up.
Set a password via the email sent to your inbox by FTMO.
Log in to your account.
Select the “Start FTMO Challenge” option.
Configure your FTMO Challenge to your preference and read through the terms and conditions.
Confirm the details from step 7 above and proceed to make payment.

The Challenge fee should be viewed as an evaluation cost, not a trading deposit

One of the most common misconceptions about FTMO is that the Challenge fee functions like a trading deposit. In reality, the fee is payment for access to the firm's evaluation process and does not represent capital that will be used for live trading. This distinction is important because traders should assess the program based on its rules, objectives, and funding opportunities rather than focusing solely on the initial cost.

I believe traders should pay particular attention to the relationship between account size, Challenge fee, and their own trading experience. Larger account sizes offer greater profit potential, but they also require a higher upfront commitment. Before purchasing a Challenge, it is worth considering whether the selected account size, risk parameters, and scaling opportunities align with your trading goals and experience level.

Conclusion

FTMO does not require traders to deposit capital into a live trading account. Instead, participants pay a one-time Challenge fee to access the firm's evaluation program, with fees varying according to the selected account size. Successful traders can qualify for funded accounts, participate in profit sharing, and potentially increase their profit split through FTMO's Scaling Plan.

When considering FTMO, traders should focus not only on the Challenge fee but also on the firm's risk-management requirements, trading conditions, available platforms, and scaling opportunities. Understanding these factors can help determine whether the program aligns with a trader's experience level and trading objectives.

FAQs

Can I retry the FTMO Challenge if I fail?

Yes. Traders who do not meet the Challenge objectives can purchase a new FTMO Challenge and attempt the evaluation again.

Can I use Expert Advisors (EAs) during the FTMO Challenge?

Yes. FTMO permits algorithmic trading and the use of Expert Advisors, provided the trading activity complies with the firm's rules and risk parameters.

Does FTMO allow overnight and weekend positions?

This depends on the selected account type. Standard accounts generally allow overnight and weekend holding, while certain restrictions may apply to Swing and other account configurations.

Can I have more than one FTMO Challenge at the same time?

Yes. FTMO allows traders to manage multiple Challenge accounts simultaneously, subject to the firm's maximum capital allocation rules and account limits.

Team that worked on the article

Andrey Mastykin is an experienced author, editor, and content strategist who has been with Traders Union since 2020. As an editor, he is meticulous about fact-checking and ensuring the accuracy of all information published on the Traders Union platform.

Learn about our editorial policies

Dr. BJ Johnson is a PhD in English Language and an editor with over 15 years of experience. He earned his degree in English Language in the U.S and the UK.

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